Data Governance Manager

Princeton University • Princeton, NJ

15h • $152,000 - $170,000

About The Position

The Data Governance Manager is a hands-on role responsible for leading the implementation and adoption of the institution’s data governance program. The position ensures that governance policies, standards, and practices are embedded across the organization and advances data quality, metadata management, stewardship, and data lifecycle practices in partnership with functional and technology stakeholders. The role operationalizes governance frameworks, processes, and tools to improve the trust, accessibility, security, and consistency of institutional data. Through stakeholder engagement and change management, the manager fosters data accountability and data-informed decision-making.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience implementing and operationalizing data governance frameworks, policies, standards, and stewardship practices.
• Experience establishing, monitoring, and driving adoption of data quality processes, controls, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of metadata management, business glossaries, data definitions, and data lifecycle management practices.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders, drive adoption, and foster a culture of data ownership and accountability.
• Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to deliver governance initiatives and measurable outcomes.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related work experience.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with data governance and data management platforms such as Microsoft Purview, Collibra, Alation, Informatica, or similar tools.
• Knowledge of industry-standard data management frameworks and practices, such as DAMA-DMBOK.
• Experience developing data literacy, stewardship, and organizational adoption programs.
• Familiarity with data privacy, information security, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Experience working in higher education, healthcare, research, or other complex matrixed organizations.

Responsibilities

• Operationalize the institution’s enterprise data governance framework, policies, standards, and procedures.
• Drive adoption of data governance practices across functional and technology teams.
• Coordinate governance activities and stakeholder engagement to ensure alignment and accountability.
• Develop and monitor governance metrics, maturity indicators, and implementation progress.
• Support integration of governance practices into business and technology processes.
• Lead implementation and adoption of data governance and data management platforms.
• Configure and support capabilities for data cataloging, metadata management, lineage, stewardship, and data quality.
• Develop governance templates, standards, procedures, and user guidance materials.
• Monitor tool utilization and recommend enhancements to improve adoption and business value.
• Collaborate with technology teams to integrate governance capabilities into the data ecosystem.
• Implement and operationalize data quality standards, controls, and monitoring processes.
• Develop data quality metrics, scorecards, and reporting to measure and improve data health.
• Partner with stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and resolve data quality issues.
• Promote data quality management best practices and continuous improvement.
• Support definition and management of critical data elements and quality requirements.
• Lead development and maintenance of enterprise business glossaries, data dictionaries, and data definitions.
• Implement processes for gathering, documenting, governing, and maintaining business and technical metadata.
• Promote consistent use of standardized data definitions across systems and business functions.
• Support stewardship activities that improve the quality, consistency, and usability of institutional data assets.
• Build relationships with functional and technology stakeholders to support governance objectives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on governance matters and organizational change initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve governance capabilities, operational processes, and stakeholder experience.
• Implement enhancements that increase the value, reliability, and accessibility of institutional data.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit program for eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director